MEMPHIS — Ja Morant remained in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform past February’s trade deadline, but the consensus suggests it was less about a “mystery team” and more about a lukewarm market. Analysts pointed to a “negative value” surrounding the star guard, citing a lack of substantial offers and concerns over his long-term reliability.
While Morant has publicly maintained his loyalty to the franchise, experts argue that his trade stock has hit an all-time low, weighed down by a combination of high-contract figures and recurring off-court issues. With a disappointing 25-55 record, the Grizzlies are officially sidelined for the 2026 NBA Playoffs. As the team approaches its final two games of the 2025-26 season, the central question looms: Will Morant remain the face of the franchise, or is an exit finally on the horizon?
A Season Sidelined
Morant’s impact on the court this season was severely limited, as he appeared in only 20 games during the 2025-26 campaign. His production reflected the team’s overall struggle, with the star guard averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per contest. His efficiency also took a visible hit, posting shooting splits of 41.0% from the field and a career-low 23.5% from beyond the arc, though he remained elite at the charity stripe with an 89.7% free-throw percentage.
The “Jersey Rift” at Fan Appreciation Night
Signs of a fracture appeared during the Grizzlies’ final regular-season home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Monday. During the team’s “Fan Appreciation Night,” every active player reportedly gave their jersey to a fan as a gesture of gratitude—except for Morant.
“He just stood there and watched his teammates give away their jerseys,” an unnamed Grizzlies source shared. “Who does that? The writing is on the wall.”
However, a separate team source indicated that the friction might be a two-way street. Morant was reportedly notified just one hour before tip-off that he would not be participating in the giveaway, leaving him without a jersey to provide. “He’s unhappy with how he’s being treated,” a source close to the situation claimed. “He feels alienated by the organization.”
The Trade Market: From Miami to Milwaukee
Despite reports of a “tepid market” in February, Morant reportedly had eyes on the Miami Heat as a preferred destination. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks were among the teams that checked in on his availability.
According to a source close to Morant, the All-Star was largely kept in the dark regarding the interest from other teams. “Ja didn’t know who was coming at him until after the deadline,” the source said. “It was painted as if nobody wanted him, but that wasn’t the reality.”
While a move to a team of his choice remains the goal, indications suggest that if a trade occurs this offseason, Morant may be less focused on a specific city and more on a fresh start. “He wants to go somewhere he can prove his worth,” the source added. “Someone who actually wants him and where he can just play basketball.”
The $3.5 Million Question
Speculation reached a fever pitch recently when Morant’s Memphis-area home was listed for sale at $3.5 million. While fans viewed this as a definitive “goodbye,” those within Morant’s inner circle are downplaying the move.
“He still has two other houses,” a source rebuffed, suggesting the sale might be a simple real estate correction rather than a suitcase packed for Miami. Whether it is a change of address or a change of scenery, the next few months will determine if the Ja Morant era in Memphis has truly run its course.
